A RESCUE centre dedicated to helping sick, injured and orphaned hedgehogs has closed its doors for good.

Hamworthy Hedgehog Rescue has permanently closed its centre in Poole and dissolved the charity behind it.

The closure was described by owners Jim and Tracy Dunne as a “very difficult decision” made for “personal health reasons”.

The hedgehogs currently at the centre are to be cared for until they can be released back into the wild, which is anticipated to take up to three months.

However, staff are no longer taking in any further hedgehogs for treatment.

Run solely on the goodwill of donors, Hamworthy Hedgehog Rescue has been behind the rehabilitation of hundreds of sick hedgehogs, with each one costing more than £5 per week for food alone.

It has remained open seven days a week, 365 days a year to provide the vital care.

In 2021, the centre treated a total of 648 hedgehogs, and in 2022, 241 hedgehogs were successfully released back into the wild.

The news of its closure was shared on Facebook on July 5. Jim and Tracy wrote: “Following a meeting of Hamworthy Hedgehog Rescue Charity Trustees, it has been agreed that for personal/health reasons the rescue will close permanently, and the charity be dissolved.

“This has been a very difficult decision to make, but we have no way round it.

“Unless someone or an organisation steps forward to take over the rescue, lock, stock and barrel, on their own premises, we will divide up the rescue's assets, physical and financial, between other local rescues once the last hedgehog in our care has been released.

“All fundraising activity has ceased, and all standing orders and direct debits to the rescue have been cancelled with our bank.

“We would like to thank all our volunteers, helpers, and supporters for the last seven years, and hope you will understand and support our decision to close.”

The post attracted comments from members of the public saddened by the news.

One person wrote: “You have helped so many hogs, and educated so many people over the years, be very proud of what you have done.”

Another commented: “This is such devastating news, both for you personally and for hedgehog rescue in the county."